Endorsement: U.S. Senate – Oberweis

Illinois state Sen. Jim Oberweis and Downers Grove businessman Doug Truax square off in the March 18 Republican primary for U.S. Senate, with the winner facing longtime incumbent Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin in November.

Oberweis, of Sugar Grove, owns a successful dairy and asset management business. He is making his third run at a U.S. Senate seat.

This is the first attempt for Truax, managing partner and co-owner of Veritas Risk Services in Oak Brook.

Oberweis has spent the better part of the past decade running for office. After several consecutive losses, he won a seat in the Illinois Senate in 2012.

He said he’s learned from his past campaign mistakes, and is the stronger candidate to take on Durbin in the fall.

A staunch conservative on fiscal and social issues in past campaigns, Oberweis, while still a conservative, seems more willing to work with the other side of the aisle to accomplish goals.

As a state lawmaker, he voted with Democrats last year on a pension reform bill that he acknowledged was far from perfect but the best deal the state could get at the time.

Although it will be an uphill battle, Oberweis offers Republicans the best chance in November. He is endorsed.